The Colusa County Farm Bureau had all its usual players at the annual Bounty Festival, but the newly revamped event this year included some of the county’s youngest guests.
The annual fundraiser, which had been an indoor event for ages 21 and older, was held outdoors at the Colusa County Fairgrounds carnival area on Saturday, where guests could bring their kids.
“Farming is family,” said CCFB Manager Monica Sankey. “So, I wanted it to be a more family oriented fundraiser this year.”
With the country coming out of a global pandemic, organizers initially planned for the spacious event with COVID-19 consideration in mind.
In keeping with the original Local Bounty fundraiser, the Farm Bureau invited the local restaurants, wineries, and breweries to provide samples of their food or brew. The event included a silent raffle of desserts made by 4-H members, with the proceeds going to 4-H, and a raffle of many donated items that benefited the Colusa County Farm Bureau.
This year’s expanded outdoor event also included a large kids zone, where many children enjoyed bounce houses, games, an obstacle course, a pedal tractor race track, corn hole, miniature golf, and other amusements.
“I liked playing golf the best; I played two times,” said 8-year-old Cooper Conley, who attended the Bounty Festival with his aunt and brother, Connor.
Adults and children lined up to take a shot at dunking farmer Nic Weber, Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Farrell, Assistant Sheriff Mike Bradwell, and Supervisor Kent Boes.
The Township Band provided the entertainment. Youth fiddlers, Ari and Aven Nercessian, of Stonyford, also performed.
Several hundred people attended the festival, which also provided an opportunity for local and state candidates for office to mingle with the public.
Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who is seeking reelection in a district that now includes all of Colusa County as a result of decennial redistricting, said attending the event was a way for her to meet members of the farming community beyond Arbuckle.
“I do know agriculture and it would be a pleasure and honor to be up here as a representative,” Curry said.
CCFN President Nathan Peterson said the Bureau’s new outdoor festival was probably a welcomed change from the event they held in the Main exhibit building every year, and that the new inclusive festival would likely continue as the primary fundraiser in the future.
“I love the format,” said Peterson. “I think the turnout was really good. It’s great to see everybody…and it’s been kind of a tough year. It’s great for everyone to get out and enjoy themselves and have a wonderful day.”
In addition to the annual fundraiser, Colusa County Farm Bureau relies on membership to help the organization promote, protect, and enhance California’s farming way of life.
Farm Bureau members include farmers, ranchers, nursery growers, foresters, dairymen, beekeepers, mom and pop vegetables growers, and individuals working to keep California’s agriculture industry alive by raising awareness of where and how food is grown.
“There is no better voice than the Farm Bureau to help people understand it; help people appreciate what we do and why we are here,” Peterson said. ■